A Canada Revenue Agency account lets you see your tax and benefit information online, any time. Knowing how to register for a CRA account can save you phone calls and long waits, and help you keep your benefits on track.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we know many benefits depend on taxes being filed and information being up to date. This guide explains the registration steps in plain language, using Canada.ca’s instructions.
Quick answer
How do I register for a CRA account?
Go to the CRA sign-in page on Canada.ca and register with a CRA user ID and password, or with a bank that is a Sign-In Partner. You need your social insurance number, your date of birth and an amount from your most recent assessed tax return. Then verify your identity with the document verification service for immediate access, or wait for a CRA security code by mail within 10 business days.
Why a CRA account helps
According to Canada.ca’s register for a CRA account page (opens in a new tab), your account lets you access and change your tax information with the CRA.
- Check your tax returns and notices of assessment.
- See your benefit and credit payments, such as the Canada Child Benefit.
- Update your address and direct deposit details.
- Track the status of applications.
Ways to register
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| CRA user ID and password | Create a CRA credential just for the CRA |
| Sign-In Partner | Sign in through a participating bank or credit union |
| Provincial partner | Alberta.ca Account or BC Services Card only |
| GC Key | Cannot be used for a CRA account |
In Ontario, the options are a CRA user ID and password or a bank Sign-In Partner.
What you need
- Your social insurance number (or a temporary tax number or individual tax number if you do not have a SIN)
- Your date of birth
- An amount from your most recent assessed tax return, filed within the last 2 years
- At least one multi-factor authentication option, such as a phone number for codes
Canada.ca says to use the amounts you initially reported on your return, even if it was reassessed later. Have your notice of assessment or tax return in front of you before you start.
Step by step
- Go to the CRA sign-in page on Canada.ca.
- Choose CRA user ID and password, or your bank’s Sign-In Partner.
- Enter your SIN, date of birth and the amount from your tax return.
- Set up multi-factor authentication.
- Verify your identity, using document verification or a CRA security code.
Canada.ca says your session ends after 18 minutes of inactivity and your progress is not saved, so gather everything before you begin.
Verifying your identity
| Option | How long it takes |
|---|---|
| Document verification service | Immediate access, using a mobile device |
| CRA security code by mail | Mailed within 10 business days to the address on file |
The security code goes to the address the CRA already has for you. If you have moved, update your address with the CRA before you register.
Choosing a password and security options
Your CRA account holds sensitive information, so protect it well. Pick a password that is long, hard to guess and used only for your CRA account, and write it down somewhere safe at home rather than in your phone notes.
Canada.ca says you need at least one multi-factor authentication option. A phone number that receives text or voice codes is a common choice. Keep that phone number up to date, so you can always get your codes.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| The tax return amount does not match | Use the amount you first reported, even if your return was reassessed |
| The page timed out | Start again; sessions end after 18 minutes of inactivity |
| No security code arrived | Check your address on file with the CRA, and allow 10 business days |
| No recent tax return | File a return first, then register |
If you are still stuck, contact the CRA through the contact page on Canada.ca. Have your SIN and a recent notice of assessment ready.
Helping a family member register
Many older adults and newcomers find online accounts confusing. You can sit with a family member and walk through the steps together, but let them type their own information and choose their own password.
Never keep someone else’s password, and never sign in to another person’s account for them. If a relative needs someone to deal with the CRA on their behalf, the CRA has a proper way to authorize a representative; ask the CRA how it works.
If you have not filed a tax return
Registration uses an amount from a recent assessed tax return. If you have not filed in the last 2 years, file first. A free tax clinic may be able to help; see how to file taxes for free (opens in a new tab).
Filing also keeps benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement coming. See how to apply for the Canada Child Benefit (opens in a new tab).
Keep your account safe
- Never share your user ID, password or security codes with anyone.
- Use a strong password you do not use anywhere else.
- If you get a CRA security code in the mail that you did not ask for, contact the CRA right away.
Our guide on how to spot a scam (opens in a new tab) explains common CRA scams and how to report fraud.
If you do not have a computer
You can register on a phone or tablet, or use a computer at a public library. If you need help with the steps, ask a trusted family member or friend to sit with you, and never let anyone else keep your password.
Our guide to low cost internet in Canada (opens in a new tab) explains the Connecting Families program for eligible families and seniors.
What to do after you register
- Check that your address, phone number and marital status are correct.
- Sign up for direct deposit, so payments arrive faster.
- Look at your benefit payment dates.
- Download past notices of assessment and save them in a safe folder.
Free help in Brantford
Friendship House at 452 Grey Street serves coffee, tea and a light breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m. Everything is free and open to everyone; see our free services (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
How do I register for a CRA account?
Register on Canada.ca with a CRA user ID and password or a bank Sign-In Partner, then verify your identity.
What do I need to register for a CRA account?
Your SIN, date of birth, an amount from your most recent assessed tax return filed within the last 2 years and a multi-factor authentication option.
How long does the CRA security code take?
Canada.ca says it is mailed within 10 business days. The document verification service gives immediate access instead.
Can I use GC Key for my CRA account?
No. Canada.ca says you cannot use GC Key to sign in to your CRA account.
What if I got a CRA security code I did not request?
Contact the CRA right away, because someone may be trying to access your account.
An online account puts your tax and benefit information at your fingertips. Gather your papers, register safely, and visit our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) for a warm meal along the way.
